An encouragement to colonies [microform]

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Encouragement
TO
COLONIES.
By
Sir WiLLIAM ALEXANDER,

Kniecurt.

Alter erit tum Tiphis, & altera que vehat Argo
delectos Heroas

Lonpon
Printed by William Stansby.
1624,

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ai lle anton

FC Bsenisihe

iP ble AG

Pans:

titi Bln aac

RRO ay ETON Ea gps Sat ea

TO THE MOST

EXCELLENT
PRINCE.

Hough you have graced
the Labours of some (as
much admired for your
courtesie as they for their
indiscretion) who might
haue beene condemned for
presuming to importune
you for their Patron; yet
it would seem a prophanation of greatnesse
to place your name vpon the Frontispice of
euery vulgar Paper, but as no Worke hath
more need of your countenance, then the En-
couraging of Colonies; So it would appeare
to me (I know not suspecting my own partiali-
tie, whither seduced by Desire, or warranted by

Feason) that there is no ground whereupon your
A2 °

coun-

Tuer EPIstTLe

countenance may shine with a more publike ap-
plause. This is the way (making the Gospell of
Tesus Christ knowne in vnknowne parts) by sup-
plying the necessities of many, with a lawfull in-
crease of necessary commerce, to procure glorie
unto God, honour to your selfe, and benefit to the
World; By this meanes, you that are borne to
rule Nations, may bee the beginner of Nations,
enlarging this Monarchie without bloud, and ma-
king a Conquest without wronging of others,
whereof in regard of your youth any good begin-
ning in this (like your vertue vpon which it doth
depend) boding a speedie Progresse Time in your
own time, doth promise a great perfection. The glo-
ry of greatness (that it may haue a harmonie with
goodnesse) consisting more in raysing then in rui-
ning of others, it is a farre better course to pur-
chase fame by the Plantation of a new World,
nor as many Princes haue done by the desolation
of this. And since your Royall Father during
whose happie raigne, these seeds of Scepters haue
beene first from hence sowne in America, by his
gracious fauour furre aboue any merit of mine,
hath emboldened mee the meanest of many thou-
sands of his subiects to attempt so great an Enter-
prize, as to lay the foundation of a Worke that
may so much import the good of that ancient

King-

IES

IEA

DEDICATORIE.

Kingdome, where so many of your Ancestors
were buried, and where your selues were borne.
I haue both by reading what doth rest vpon Re-
cord, and by conferring with sundry that haue
beene imbarked in such a businesse, beene curious
to remarke the managing thereof, that the ea-
perience of times past might with the lesse dan-
ger at the charges of others, improue them that
are to practize at this present. And the fruits of
my Labours I doe humbly offer heere unto your
Highnesse, hoping by the commendable endeuours,
therein remembred (though it selfe be but a tri-
uiall Treatise, not worthy your sight) to conci-
late your good opinion towards them that are to
aduenture in this kind. Amongst whom (if euer
my fortunes haue any conformitie with my mind)
I purpose to contribute as much as my weake abi-
lities can be able to affoord for accomplishing
this braue Designe, wherein my greatest Ambi-
tion shall be that both this Age and the Posteri-
tie may know how much I desire by some obserua-
ble effect to be remembred for being

Your Highnesse most humble

and affectionate Seruant,

W. A.

X
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if

If THE
| MAPP AND

DESCRIPTION OF
NEW-EnG@.Lanp;

Together with

A Difcourfe of Plantation, and
COLLONIES:

ALSO
A relation of the nature of the Climate,
and how it agrees with our owne Country
ENGLAND.

How neere it lyes to New-found-Land, Virginia,
Noua Francia, Canada, and other Parts of
the Wesr-Inpizs,

Seen

Written by
S*. Winuam ALexanper, Knight.
i EN ENE a ee
LONDON ‘
Printed for Na THANIEL Bvrtrer,.
An. Dom. 1630,

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Cape Siandy

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viet ENCOVRAGEMENT

) Perce TO COLONIES.
aft ing He fending forth of Colonies
"i "heath (feeming a nouelty) is efteem-
* Oe ise ed now to bee a ftrange thing,
! a as not onely being aboue the
‘ ee courage of common men, but
"hee altogether alienated from their
ee knowledge, which is no won-
are ae der, fince that courfe though
‘ are both ancient, and vfuall, hath
ay ae oy beene by the intermiffion of fo
ee ees many ages difcontinued, yea was impofsible to be prac-
ea tifed fo long as there was no vaft round, howfoeuer
; aera men had beene willing, whereupon Plantations might
ae 2 pe Re haue beene made;- yet there is none who will doubt but
ae that the world in her infancy, and innocency, was firft peo-
are pled after this manner,

ayes The next generations fucceeding Shem planted in Asia,
i or Chams in Africke, and Iaphets in Europe: Abraham and
Me gue Lot were Captaines of Colonies, the Land then being as

<r ne free as the Seas are now, fince they parted them in euer
ayer part where they paffed, not taking notice of natiues with-

st Me, B out

ns

i”
4
|

2 An encouragement

out impediment. That memorable troope of Iewes which
Moses led from Aigypt to Canaan was a kind of Colonie
though mira:uloufly conduéted by God, who intended
thereby to aduance his Church and ‘to deftroy the rejected
Ethnikes. Salmanezer King of Ashur was remarked for the
firft who did violate the natural] ingenuitie of this com-
mendable kind of policy by too politike an intention; for
hauing tranfported the ten Tribes of L/rael, to the end that
tranfplanting and difperfing them, hee might either wea-
ken their ftrength, or abolith their memorie by incorpora-
ting of them with his other Subjeéts; he to preuent the
dangers incident amongft remote vaffals did id a Colo-
nie to inhabite Samaria of a purpofe thereby to fecure his
late and queftionable conquett,

Who can imagine by this induftrious courfe of Planta-
tions, what an vnexpected progreffe from a defpifed be-
ginning hath beene fuddenly made to the height of great-
nefle! The Phenicians quickly founded Sidon, and Tirus,
fo much renowned both by facred, and humane writers,
and a few Tirians builded Carthage, which had firft no
more ground allowed her than could be compaffed by the
extended dimentions of a Bulls hide, which for acquiring
of the more ground they diuided in as many fundrie parts
as was posible, yet in end that Town became the Mifireffe
of Afrike, and the riuall of Rome: and Rome it felfe that
great Ladie of the World, and terrour to all N. ations, am-
bitioufly clayming for her firft founders a few feandali-
zed fugitiues that fled from the ruines of Troy, did rife from
fmall appearances to that exorbitancy of power, which
at this day is remembred with admiration ; Though the
walls of it at that time were very lowe when the one bro-
ther did kill the other for jumping ouer them, either jea-
loufie already preuayling aboue naturall affection, or elfe
vnaduifed anger conftruéting that which might haue been
cafually or carelefly done, in a finiftrous fenfe to the hate-
full tchiatiion of infolency or feorne; Their number then

was not only very fmall, but they wanted women, with-
out

Saeeee: eee e

to Colonies. 3

out which they could not encreafe, nor fubfift, till they ra-
uifhed the daughters of the Sabins, by a violent match at
firft, portending their future rapins, and what a furious
off-fpring they were likely to engender. And when that
haughty Citie beganne to fuffer the miferies which fhe had
fo long beene accuftomed to infli& vpon others, the vene-
rable Citie of Venice (keeping for fo man ages a {potleffe
reputation) was firft begunne by a few ifcouraged per-
fons, who fleeing from the furie of the barbarous Nations
that then encroached vpon Italie, were diftracted with feare
and (feeking for their fafety) did ftumble vpon a commo-
dious dwelling.

The Grecians were the firft, at leaft of all the Gentiles,
(who joyning learning with armes) did both doe, and
write that which was worthie to be remembred; and that
{mall parcel of ground whofe greatneffe was then only va-
lued by the vertue of the inhabitants, did plant 7; rapizonde
in the Eaft, and many other Cities in Asta the leffe, the
bnaigs of whofe liberties was the firft caufe of warre

etween them and the Persian Monarchs ; then befides all
the adjacent Iles they planted Siracufa in Sicile, moft part
of Italie, which made it to be called Grecia maior, and
Marseills in France. O whata ftrange alteration ! that this
part, which did flourith thus, whileft it was poffefied by
vigorous f{pirits, who were capable of great enterprifes, did
fo many braue things fhould now (the feate of bafe feruile
people) become the moft abjeét and contemptible part of
all the Territories belonging to the barbarous Ottomans,
whofe infolent Ianiffaries (as the Pretorian Guards did
with their Emperours, and Mamalukes of Egypt with their
Soldans) prefume at this time to difpofe of the Regall
power, vpbrayding the miferable follie of Chriftians, who
dangeroufly embarqued in inteftine warres, though inui-
ted by an encountring occafion, negleét fo great, fo glo-

rious, and fo eafie a conquetft.
the Romanes comming to command a well peopled
World, had no vie of Colonies but only thereby to re-
B2 ward

4 An encouragement

ward fuch old deferuing Souldiers as (age and merit plea-
ding an immunitie from any further conftrained trauell)
had brauely exceeded the ordinary courfe of time appoin-
ted for military feruice, which cuftome was vfed in Germa-
nie, France, Spaine, and Brittaine, and likewife that the
Townes ere¢ted in this fort might ferue for Citadels impo-
fed vpon euery conquered Prouince, whereof fome doe
flourifh at this day, and of others nothing doth remaine
but the very name onely, their ruines being fo ruined, that
wee can hardly condefcend vpon what folitary part to be-
ftowe the fame of their former being.

I am loth by difputable opinions to dig vp the Tombes
of them that more extenuated then the duft are buried in
obliuion & will leaue thefe difregarded relics of greatneffe
to continue as they are, the fcorne of pride, witnefsing the
power of time. Neither will I after the common cuftome
of the world, ouerualuing things paft difualue the prefent,
but confidering ferioufly of that which is lately done in
Ireland, doe finde a Plantation there inferiour to none that
hath beene heretofore. The Babylonians hauing conque-
red the Jsraelites did tranfplant them as expofed to ruine
in a remote Countrey, fending others of their owne Na-
tion (that they might be vtterly extirpated) to inhabite Sa-
ria in their places. And our King hath onely divided the
moft feditious families of the Jrish by difperfing them in
fundry parts within the Countrey, not to extinguifh, but
to difsipate their power, who now neither haue, nor give
caufe of feare. The Romanes did build fome Townes
which they did plant with their owne people by all rigour
to curbe the Natiues next adjacent thereunto, And our
King hath incorporated fome of his beft Brittaines with
the Jri/h, planted in fundry places without power to op-
preffe, but onely to ciuilize them by their example. Thus
freland which heretofore was fcarcely difcouered, and on-
ly irritated by others, prouing to the English as the Lowe-
Countries did to Spaine, a meanes whereby to waite their
men, and their money, is now really conquered, becom-

ming

————

to Colonies. 5

ming a ftrength to the State, and a glorie to his Majefties
gouernment, who hath in the fetling thereof excelled all
that was commended in any ancient Colonie.

As all firft were encouraged to Plantations by the large-
neffe of the conquefts that were propofed vnto them, fea-
ring onely want of people, and not of land, fo in after ages
when all knowne parts became peopled, they were quickly
entangled with the other extremitie, grudging to be boun-
ded within their profpeé, and jarring with their neigh-
bours for fmall snneate of ground, a ftrife for limits limi-
ting the liues of many who entring firft in controuerfie
vpon a point of profit though with the loffe of ten times
more, valuing their honour by the opinion of others be-
hooued to proceed as engaged for the fafety of their repu-
tation. Then richeffe being acquired by indulirie, and glo-
rie by employments, thefe two did beget auarice, and am-
bition, which lodging in fome fubtile heads vpon a poli-
tike confideration to vnite inteftine diuifions did transferre
their fplene to forraine parts, not feeking to reétifie the af-
fections, but to bufie them abroad where leaft harme was
feared, and moft benefit expected, fo that where they had
firft in a peaceable fort fought for Lands onely wherewith
to furnith their necefsity, which conueniency, or fufficien-
cy, did eafily accommodate, now ayming at greatneffe the
defires of men growne infinite, made them ftrangers to
contentment, and enemies to reft.

Some Nations feeking to exchange for better feates, 0-
thers to command their neighbours, there was for many
ages no {peach but of wrongs and reuenges, conquefts and
reuolts, razings and ruining of States, a continuall reuolu-
tion determining the periods of Time by the miferies of
mankind, and in regard of the populoufnefle of thefe ages
during the Monarchies of the Assirians, Persians, Grecians,
and Romanes, the world could not haue fubfifted if it had
not beene purged of turbulent humours by letting out the
bloud of many thoufands, fo that warre was the vniuerfall
Chirurgeon of thefe SHrempeet times: And thereafter

3 O

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6 An encouragement

O what monftrous multitudes of people were flaine by
huge deluges of barbarous armies that ouerflowed Italie,
France and Spaine! and the Chriftians haue long beene
fubjeét to the like calamities wanting a commoditie
how they might (not wronging others) in a Chriftian
manner employ the people that were more chargeable
then neceflary at home, which was the caufe of much mif-
chiefe among themfelues, till at that time when Spaine
was ftriuing with France how to part Italie, as Itahe had
formerly done with Carthage how to part Spaine. Then
it pleafed God hauing pitie of the Chriftians who for pur-
ee of fmall importance did prodigally proftitute the
ines of them whom hee had purchafed with fo pretious a
ranfome, as it were for diuerting that violent kind of vani-
tie, to difeouer a new world, which it would feeme in all
reafon fhould haue tranfported them with defignes of
more moment, whereby aliny and profit with a guiltleffe
labour was to bee attayned with leffe danger whereunto
they are as it were inuited, and provoked with fo many e-
minent aduantages palpably expofed to any cleare judge-
ment that I thinke (this obuious facilitie vilifying that
which a further difficulty might the more endeare) the
eafinefle of the prey hath blunted the appetite.

When Chrifiopher Columbus had in vaine propounded
this enterprife to diners Chriftian Princes, Z/abella of Ca-
Jtile againft the opinion of her husband (though fo much
renowned for wit, yet not reaching this myfterie) did firft
furnifh him for a Voyage, as if it were fatall that that Na-
tion fhould owe the greateft part of their greatnefle to the
female Sexe, And if the Spaniards would fincerely, and

ratefully haue beftowed the benefits whereby God did al-
ure them to poffeffe this Land for the planting of it with
Chriftians enclined to ciuilitie, and religion, it had at this
day confidering the excellency of the foyle, for all the per-
feétions that nature could affoord; beene the moft fingu-
larly accomplifhed place of the world, but it hath infortu-
nately fallen out farre otherwife, that the treafures — are
rawne

i]

a

'

to Colonies. 7

drawne from thence (mynes to blow vp mindes and
rockes to ruine faith) doe proue the feed of diffention, the
finewes of the warre, and nurcerie of all the troubles a-
mongft Chriftians.

The Spaniards that were fo mee as to chance firft vp-
| on this new World, were of all others (hauing but a vaft
mountainous Countrey) in regard of their fearcity of peo-
| ple, moft vnfit for planting thereof, and could not but
foone haue abandoned the fame, if they had not fo quick-

ly encountred with the rich Mynes of Mexico, New Spaine

and Peru, which were once Likely to haue beene loft for

lacke of wood, till the way was inuented of refining Sil-

uer by quickfiluer, which may bee eafily done out of any

oare that is free from Lead, and (all the Spaniards difday-

| ning worke as a feruile thing belowe their abilities) their

greateft trouble is the want of workmen: for the Natiues

| that are extant, furuiuing many vexations, if they become

ciuile out of an indulgency to libertie, and eafe, whereun-

to all the Americans (liking better of a penurious life thus
r then to haue plenty with taking paines) are naturally encli-
ned, that they may haue a fecure eafe warranted by an or-
der, doe betake themfelues to Cloifters, fo that they haue
no meanes to profecute thefe workes but by drawing yeer-
ly a great number of Negroes from Angola, and other parts,
which being but an vnnaturall merchandife, are bought at
a deare rate, and maintayned with danger, for they once
of late, as I haue heard from one that was there at that
time defigned to murther their Mafters, by a plot which
fhould haue beene put in execution vpon a Good-friday,
4 when all being exercifed at their deuotion were leaft apt to

epprenene {uch a wicked courfe, and it is alwaies feared

that to reuenge what of necefsitie they muft fuffer, and to i

procure their libertie hating moft what they feele for the §

we prefent, and hoping for better by a change, they will joyne

with any {trong enemy that landing there dare attempt the 4

eonauelt of that Countrey. 4

I will not here infift in fetting downe the manner how

a the

ane eee fe >

8 An encouragement

the Spaniards made themfelues Mafters of fo many rich
and pleafant Countries, but doe leaue that to their owne

Hiftories, though I confefle (like wifemen) they are ver
{paring to report the eftate of thefe parts, and doe barre al
{trangers from hauing accefle thereunto, withing to enjoy
that which they loue in priuate, and not inconfiderately
vanting by the vanitie of praifes to procure vnto them-
felues the vexation that they might fuffer by the earneft
purfuit of emulating rivals, but as they did brauely begin,
and refolutely profecute their Difcoueries in America, fo
hath it juftly recompenced their courage, prouing the
ground of all that greatneffe which at this time (not with-
out caufe) doth make them (as able, or willing, to conquer
others if not both) fo much fufpected by euery jealous
State. And Henry the Seventh the Salomon of England
had his judgement onely condemned for negleéting that
good occafion which was firft offered vnto him by Colum-
bus, yet did he prefently feeke to repaire his errour by fen-
ding forth Sebaftian Chabot a Venetian who did difcouer
the Ile of Newfound-land, and this part of the Continent
of America now intended to bee planted by his Majefties
Subjects vnder the name of New England, and New Scot-
land, fo that the fruits of his happie raigne ftill growing to
a greater perfection and now ripe to bee gathered by this
age, as he made way by the marriage of his eldeft daugh-
ter for vniting thefe two Nations at home, fo did hee the
fame likewife by this difcouerie abroad, but the accom-
plifhment of both was referued for his Majeftie now raign-
ing, and no Prince in the world may more eafily effectuate
fuch a purpofe fince his Dominions affoord abundance of
braue men fingularly valued for able bodies and aétiue fpi-
rits whereof the English haue already giuen good proofe
of their fufficiency in forraine Plantations; but before I
roceed further in that which doth concerne them I muft

obferue what the French haue done in this kind.

All fuch aduentrous defignes out of ignorance, or enuie
(either contemned, or doubtfully cenfured ) are neuer appro-
ued,

i —
(ir ee. -

to Colonies. : 9

ued, nor imitated, til they be juftified by the fucceffe & then
many who had firft been too diftruftfull falling in the other
extremitie of an implicite confidence, to redeeme their
former negleéts, do precipitate themfelues in necdleffe
dangers. After that the Spaniards were knowne to pro-
{per, and that it was conceiued by the Voyage of Chabot
what a large vaftneffe this new Continent was likely to
proue, Francis the firft did furnith forth John Verrizzon a
Florentine, who did difcouer that part of America which
was firft(and moft juftly) called New Frrance,and now J'er-
ra Florida. And vpon is returne he affirming it to be (as it
is indeed for all the excellencies of nature) one of the moft

leafant parts of the world, This was the caufe that after a
foe delay (during the fpace of two Princes whole raignes )
fome new Difcoueries reuiuing the memory of this, in the
yeere of God 1562. Charles the ninth Chauing a haughty
mind, and being fo rauifhed with a defire of glorie, that he
was fometimes tempted by finiftrous fuggettions in fee-
king after it to goe vpon wrong grounds) was quickly en-
amoured with the eminency of fuch a fingular defigne,
wherein hee did employ John Ribaut, who comming to
Florida, was kindly receiued by the Natiues there, and ha-
uing made choice of a place where to build a Fort, after
hee had ftayed a time giuing direétion for fuch things as
were neceflarie to be done, he left forty men therein when
hee came away with one Captaine Albert to command
them, who after that hee had with difticulty beene freed
from the danger of famine, and of fire (vnfeafonably affe-
éting the difufed aufteritie of the Ancients) did for a
{mall offence hang one of his companie with his owne
hands, fo lofing both the dignitie of his place, and the
hearts of his people at one time, which hee fhould
haue beene extremely ftudious to preferue, efteeming
them as fellowes of his fufferings, and coheires of his

hopes, at leaft the qualitie of the offence and nece{sitie
of his death fhould haue beene made fo cleare, that as im-
porting a common good, all Cif not vrging it) fhould at

C leaft

So SR AE SN ED ROT A RE A eae ce tas tah SRS Seema epee tema:

BATES SOLE TR gh

10 An encouragement

leaft haue condifcended thereunto, but this errour of his
was acquited in as rude a manner: for his companie put-
ting him to death did make choice of another Captaine,
and defpairing of a new fupplie though wanting skilful
workmen for fuch a pur ole (necefsitie fharpning their
wits) they builded a little Bare ue which they calfatted and
made fit for the Seas with the Gummes of trees which they
found there in ftead of Pitch, and in place of Sayles the
furnifhed her with fuch linnens as they had vpon their
beds, and being thus fet forth (couragioufly ouercomming
a number of adialtable difficulties) did return to France
after a defperate manner.

The dangerleffe returne, and plaufible hopes of Ribaut,
afsifted by the ferious perfwafions of the Admirall, (the re-
ceiued opinion of whofe not queftioned wifedome was
enough to warrant any thing that had his approbation) did
moue the French King to fend outa great number of men
with a competent prouifion of all things requifite vnder
the charge of Monfieur Laudonier, who had a profperous
Voyage, and a congratulated arriuall at the French Fort by
the Sauages in Florida, but immediately thereafter hee was
extremely perplexed with the vnexpeéted mutinies and fa-
tious offers of fome whom he had carried with him, who
had not gone thither intending what they pretended, out
of a cleare refolution to inhabite that bounds, but did one-
ly flee from fome inconueniencies that had vexed them at
home, fuch men as hating labour they could not induftri-
oufly ferue by their endeauours in a mechanike trade, fo
were they not capable of generous infpirations that pro-
uoke magnanimitie, but habitually bred to vice were natu-
rally enemies to vertue, which made thirtie of them taking
away a Barke that belonged to the Plantation betake them-
felues to the Seas in hope (continuing as they had beene
accuftomed in naughty courfes) to feize vpon a prize
whereby they might incontinent bee made rich; and
their defigne in fome meafure had the projected iffue, but
in place of raifing their fortunes (the Lord neuer ae

them

)}

to Colonies. ll

them that abandon fuch a worthie worke, much leffe
with a minde to doe mifchic{e) it proued in end a way
to worke their confufion, And Laudoniere being hap-

ie to haue his companie purged of fuch peftiferous fel-
fowes did carrie himfelfe brauely as became a commander,
aduifedly enquiring concerning the Sauages, what their
force was, what relation they had one to another, where
they were frien’'s or foes, how their pleafures were placed,
and by what accounts they reckoned their gaines or loffes,
fo that hee was alwaies ready as might ftand beft with the
good of his affaires to afsift, or oppofe, to diuide, or agree
any partie, thus by fhewing power purchafing authoritie, til
he drew the ballance of all bufineffe to bee fwayed where
hee would as being Matter of the er Hereupon
(the vmbragious afperfions of enuie fo dar kening reafon
that it could not difcerne merite at leaft out of a depraued
opinion with a derogatory cenfure cancelling all natural!
ingenuitie, could not or would not acknowledge what was
due thereunto) a report was {pread in France by fome that
Laudoniere lined like a Prince difdayning the condition of
a Subject, and the French out of a prepotterous policie fea-
ring what they fhould haue withed that one of their owne
Nation could be too great abroad, they fent backe Ribaut
with a new commifsion to fucceed him’ in his charge, (fha-
king thereby the firft foundation of a growing greatneffe)
who feeking to fteale priuately vpon him to preuent aduer-
tifements that hee might take him at vnawares did hardly
efcape to haue beene funke at his firft entrie,

Immediatly after that Rihaut was admitted Gouernour
(Laudoniere hauing thewed himfelfe as dutifull to obey as
he had beene skilfull in commanding) intelligence was gi-
uen them that fixe Spanish Ships were riding at an anchor
not farre from thence, and he aubitioufly afpiring to grace
his beginning with fome great matter, againtt the aduice of
all the reft, with an obftinate refolution would needs goe
and purfue them taking the beft of the companie with
him, and fo left the Fort weakley guarded, which made it

C to

12 An encouragement

to proue an eafie prey for the Spaniards of whom the moft
part leauing their Ships (a minde tranfported with hope
not thinking of paine) did march thordw the woods
whence no perill was expected, and in a maruellous ftormy
night, as if the very iesauene (acceffarily culpable) had
confpired with the malice of men for the working of mif-
chief. When the Frenchmen (too much affecting their owne
eafe) had negleéted their watch, furprizing their Fort did |
put them all to the fword ; which extreme crueltie of theirs
was brauely reuenged by one Captaine Grorgues a Gentle-
man of Burdeauz, who out of a generous difpofition being
fenfible of this publike injurie whereby all his Nation was
interefted, as if it had only in particular imported the ruine
of his owne fortunes, went of purpofe to this part, and fe-
cretly before his comming was knowne contracting a great
friend{hip with the Sauages who did hate the auftere coun-

tenance, and rigorous gouernment of the Spaniards, when |
it came to be compared with the infinuating formes of the |

—=

French, he found the meanes by a ftratagem that he vfed to
entrap the Spaniards, by the death of them all expiating
that which they had made his Countreymen formerly to
fuffer, 7 after the manner of many being more apt to ac- |
quire then to preferue (acting greater things when carried |
with the impetuofitie of a prefent fury then hee could |
confirme with the conftant progreffe of a well fetled refo- |
lution) he made no more vfe of his victorie, but returned }
back to France, flattering himfelf with the hope of a trium-

hall welcome, in place whereof by fome meanes made [at] i

ourt he was proclaimed a Rebell, as a facrifice appointed I
to appeafe spent This was the laft thing that the French |!
did in Florida.

The next forraine aduenture was likewife procured by | |
the Admirall, a worthie man, who would lady haue di- |
uerted the vindiétiue difpofitions of his Countrymen from
the bloudy ciuile warres wherewith they were then entan-
gled, to profecute fome braue enterprife abroad whereby
they might not be made guilty, and yet haue glory. The

man

=

to Colonies. 13

man that did offer himfelfe for Conduétor of the Voyage
was one Villegagnon a Knight of Malta who then pretéded
to be of the reformed religion (as all doe who affect to ap-
peare what they are not indeed) making fhew of éxteaondi-
nary remorfe, and zeale, and that hee had a defire to retire
himfelfe from the vanitie, corruption, and vexation of their
arts to fome remote place in America, where profefsing
fiimfelfe {uch as he was, he might (free from all kind of im-
pediments) begin a new life, and where he hoped to found
fuch a Colony as fhould ferue for a retreat to all thofe of the
reformed Religion who (weary of the perfecutids at home)
would goe where they might liue with fafety, and enjoy
the libertie of their confcience, by this meanes hee got a
great number to accdpany him, amongft whom was John de
Lerie their Minifter, a learned man who wrote a difcourfe
of all that paffed in this Voyage, and there were fundry
others that came from the Towne of Geneua, fo that hauing
a reafonable number and well prouided, hee embarqued
and fayled towards Brafile, making choice of a place fit fur
a Plantation, where they found (the foile excellent, the Na-
tiues well inclined towards them, and a fupplie comming
in due time) all things fo concurring for their contentment
that they might haue begunne a greate worke happie and
hopefull for their pofteritie, if Villagagnon had beene the
man that he made them beleeue he was, but he apparantly
neuer louing them of the Religion in his heart had coun-
terfeited to doe fo for a time, onely (angling their affe-
ctions) by this meanes to draw a fupply from them; for as
foone as hee was fettled in his gouernment, that hee found
himfelfe ftrong enough by Catholikes, and others of his
friends, that he had with him to doe (as hee thought) what
he would, ftraight remouing the maske that hypocrifie
had put vpon him, he difcharged all exercife of the refor-
med religion which no man with more feruency had pro-
feffed then himfelfe, commanding all to conforme them-
felues to the orders that he had fet downe, but (in place of
feare which he purpofed to giue, receiuing but contempt)
C3 this

14 An encouragement

this bafe kind of carriage did quite ouerthrowe his autlio-
ritie, and they making a partie amongft themfelues did
remoue with their Minifter John de Lerie, which diuifion
of their Colonie in two was the caufe that neither could
fubfift, fo that Villagagnon abandoning that Countrey, all
after many feuerall defignes returned vnto France, ha-
uing found no impediment to fo good a purpofe but
the peruerfeneffe of fuch mindes as they had carried with
them.

Monfieur De Larauerdier a very worthie Gentleman
did of late enterprife the like ccourfe in the fame bounds,
and was croffed in the fame manner by the difference of
Religion (difputations quickning them to contrauert who
will not be conuerted) that diftraéted his companie with
feuerall opinions, yet at this time a long continuance ma-
king that leffe ftrange amongft the French then it was wont
to be, the Gentleman did command with fuch judgement,
and difcretion, that what euer priuate diflike was, it neuer
burfted forth in any open infurrection. And for the fpace 4
of foure or fiue yeeres being befriended by the Natiues, |
though continually oppofed both by the Spaniards, and b
the Portugals, yet he alwaies preuayled, liuing (as himfelte
told me) with more contentment then euer he had done in |
his time either before or fince; hee could neuer difcerne

f
|

;
4
,
i
1
Hf
ee
1
4

any Winter there by the effects, feeing no ftormy weather
at all, and finding a continuall greenneffe to beautifie the
fields, which did affoord fuch abundance, and variety of
all things neceffary for the maintaynance, that they were
neuer in any danger of famine, but in end finding no more
people comming from France, and fearing that time fhould
weare away them that were with him; then being flatte-
red with the loue of his natiue foyle, longing to fee his
friends, and tempted by the hope of a prefent gaine, which
as he imagined might the better enable him for fome fuch
purpofe in an other part, he capitulated with the Spaniards
to furréder the place hauing affurace giuen him for a great
fumme of money which fhould haue beene deliuered in

Spaine,

.

to Colonies. 15

a Spaine, but comming to receiue the fame (it being more

eafie to pay debt by reuenging a pretended injurie then

with money which fome would rather keepe:then their

Faith) he was caft in prifon, where hee remayned long, till

at laft he was deliuered by the mediation of our Kings Am-

baffadour, and came here where I fpake with him of pur-

K pofe to giue his Majeftie thankes. I heare that for the pre-

fent he is now at Rochell (with a hope to repaire his error )

ready to embarque for fome fuch like enterprife. This is

all that the Frenchmen haue done in the South parts of A-

| merica, and now I will make mention of their proceedings
in thefe parts that are next vnto vs.

Francis the firft of France, a braue Prince, and natural-

ly giuen to great things, after the Voyage made by John

Verrizan (Chabot hauing difcouered’ the Continent for

Henry the feuenth) did fend forth ames Quartier one of

Saint Malo, who by two feuerall Voyages did difcouer the

i Riuer of Cannada, and by his relation doth commend it

j exceedingly as being fertile in variety of Fifhes, and bor-

dered with many pleafant meadowes, and ftately woods,

| hauing in fundry parts abundance of Vines growing wilde,

chiefly in one Ile which he hath called by the name of the

| Ile of Orleans. This man neuer made any Plantation at

all, but onely difcouered and traffiqued with the Sauages,
neither was there any further done by Roberwall, who did
liue one Winter at Cape Breton.

The Marqueffe De la Roche by a Commifsion from
Henry the fourth, intending a Voyage for Cannada, hap-
pened by the way vpon the Ile of Sadlon (which is now
comprehended with the Patent of Mew Scotland) and
there (trufting to the ftrength of the place where there are
no Sauages at all) landed fome of his men till hee fhould
haue found a conuenient place within the maine Land fit
for habitation, promifing then to returne for them ; but it

the maine Land, being blowne backe to France with- |
out feeing of them, where he was in the time of the ciuile ;
warres

| was his fortune by reafon of contrary winds neuer to finde ;
4
4

16 An encouragement

warres (fuch is the vncertainty of worldly things produ-
cing vnexpected effects) taken prifoner by the Duke of
Merceur, and fhortly after died, fo that his people whom
hee had left at Sablon furnifhed but for a fhort time had
quickly fpent their prouifions, and tooke for their maintay-
nance onely fuch things as the place it felfe did without
labour freely affoord, which hath a race of Kowes (as is
thought) firft tranfported thither by the Portugals that
haue long continued there, and fundry roots fit to be eaten,
with abundance of Fifhes, Fowle and Venifon. And (ha-
uing no meanes to liue but by pore) as for their apparell
they clothed themfelues with the skinnes of fuch crea-
tures as they could kill by Land, or Sea, fo that liuing
there for the {pace of twelue yeeres when they were pre-
fented to Henry the fourth who had hired a Fifherman to
bring them home, as I haue heard from them that did fee
them at firft before the King, they were in very good
health, and looked as well, as if they had liued all that time
in France: But hauing beene abufed by the Fifherman
why (cunningly concealing that he had beene directed by
the King) did bargaine with them to haue all their skinnes
for tran{porting them home, which were of great value,
fome of them being of black Foxes, which were fold at
fiftie pounds fterling a piece, and aboue, for the recouerie
thereof they intended a proceffe againft him before the
Court of Parliament at Paris, wherein by the equitie of
their caufe, or by the compafsion of the Iudges, they pre-
uayled, gayning by that meanes a ftocke wherewith to traf-
fique in thefe parts againe.

Monfieur De Montes procuring a Patent from Henry the
fourth of Cannada from the 40. degree Eaftward compre-
hending all the bounds that is now both within New Eng-
land and New Scotland (after that Queene Elizabeth had
formerly giuen one thereof as belonging to this Crowne
by Chabots Difcouerie) did fet forth with a hundred per-
fons fitted for a Plantation, carried in two _e of fmall
burthen, which parting from France on feuerall dayes did

appoint

i a cc taanoiairnereanatestth sos SEER

ANY i alent i OAR it

Fina an oncalianic ceeteehataai in EIR

i
i
j
i

to Colonies. 17

appoint their meeting at the Port of Camp/eau, but the fhip
wherein Monfieur De Montes had placed himfelfe going
firft, and fearing the huge Mountaines of Ice that diffol.
uing from the farre Northerne parts come aloneft the coaft
of Newfound-land during the Spring time, did take her
courfe more to the South, and arriued at Port De Muton
a Bay now in the fore-land of New Scotland, from whence
one of the Natiues of the Countrey (either out of courte-
fie, or to gayne a reward) leauing his Wife and Children
(as a pledge, or elfe to be nourifhed with them) went to
Campfeau, and within a weeke brought them newes from
their other Ship that had arriued there, which comming
to them, and Monfieur Champlein who had gone ina fhal-
lop to difcouer the coaft being returned, they fayled toge-
ther Weftwards to Cape Sable, and from thence North-
wards to Bay Saint Maries, where towards the South fide
thereof they found good meadowes and arable ground
fit to be planted vpon, and towards the North a mountai-
nous and minerall bounds, hauing difcouered one veine of
metall that did hold Siluer, and two of Iron ftone: After
this, hauing feene Port Royall, they went to the Riuer cal-
led by them Sante Croiz, but more fit now to bee called
Tweed, becaufe it doth diuide New England and New Scot-
land, bounding the one of them vpon the Eaft, and the o-
ther vpon the Weft fide thereof, here they made choice of
an Ile that is within the middle of the fame where to win-
ter, building houfes fufficient to lodge their number ;
There, befides other forts of wood, they had ftore of Ce-
dar trees, and found the ground very fertile as it did proue
afterwards, bringing forth that which they did fow with an
extraordinary encreafe, yet during the Winter time when
they could not conueniently goe to the maine Land, they
found it a very incommodious dwelling, fpecially for want
of frefh Springs; And the foyle being of it felfe humid, and
obnoxious to waters, they had not beene fo induftrious as
to caft a ditch wherewith to drie the ground whereupon
their houfes ftood, and in end finding that a little Ile was

D but

chibi sia ath ha ig seeheehianere a eT

|
|
|
|

18 An encouragement

but a kind of large prifon, they refolued to returne vnto
Port Royall, whereof I will giue a particular Defcription,
becaufe it was the place of their refidence, as I intend it to
be for the chiefe Colonie of the Scottish Nation, grounding
that which I am to deliuer vpon fuch Difcourfes as the
Frenchmen haue written, and vpon that which I haue
heard reported by fundry others who haue feene the fame.
The entry in Port Royall is from the South fide of a great
Bay, which doth make the South part of Mew Scotland al-
moft an Ile, and hath the paffage at firft fo narrow, with a
current fo violent, that Ships can hardly enter if they take
not the Tide right, and may eafily be commanded by any
Ordnance that is planted on either fide, where there are
arts fit for that purpofe; As foone as they are within the
Bay, it doth enlarge it felfe to the bredth of feuen or eight
miles, and doth continue fo as if it were fquare for the like
bounds in length; There are within the fame two Iles e-
uery one of them extending it felfe about three miles in
circuit, and both are well garnifhed with trees, and graffe;
Diuers Riuevs and Brookes doe fall within this large bo-
fome on euery fide, of which the chiefe is one that doth
come from the South, being difcouered to be aboue fortie
miles portatiue, and it hath all alongft on euery fide for the
bounds of a mile, or halfe a mile at leaft, very faire mea-
dowes which are fubject to bee ouerflowed at high tides,
and there is Land fit to be laboured lying betweene them
and the woods, which doe compaffe all about with very
faire trees of fundry forts, as Oakes, Afh, Playnes, Maple,
Beech, Birch, Cypreffe, Pine and Firre; The great River
doth abound exceedingly in Salmon and Smelts during
their feafon, and euery little Brooke in Trouts. One Lake
within this Bay hath yeerely a great quantitie of Herrings,
which by reafon of a ftriét way which they paffe are eafie
to be ‘akon, and all the yeere ouer they neuer want fhell-
fifh, fuch as Lobfters, Crabs, Cockles and Muffels. The
chiefe beafts that inhabite the Woods there, are Ellans,
Hart, Hind, and fallow Deere, with ftore of other wilde
beafis,

|
|
|

to Colonies. 19

beafts, fuch as Wolues, Beares, Foxes, and Otters, but the
moft viefull of all is the Beaucr, both for his flefh that is
efteemed to be very delicate for eating, and for the skinne
that is of good value; as for wild foule, there is great varie-
tie and ftore, of Partridges, Plouers, Woodcockes, Larkes,
Wild Geefe, Wild Duckes, Heron and Crane, with many
other forts peculiar to that part of the World, and not
knowne here.

Vpon the Eaft fide of this Port the French did entrench
themfelues, building fuch houfes as might ferue to accom-
modate their number, and a little from thence Monfieur
Champlein did cut a walke through the Woods, where
they delighted to repaire in Summer to fhroud themfelues
from the heate, and the rather that they had a fweet Me-
lodie which was made by the varietie of voyces, of finging
Birds which without any affectation did affoord them na
turall Muficke.

Some fixe miles further vp that fide of the Riuer, they
built a Barne, and laboured ground for Wheat, ouer againit
which they made a Water-mill vpon a Riuer, that doth
fall in on the Weft fide, the Damme of it beeing there
where the Herrings haunt moft, and they did likewife try
fome ground neere by for Wheate, whereas their owne
Writers make mention, they reaped aboue fortie for one,
but what they did was rather trying the nature of the foile
to fatisfie their curiofitie then to haue a quantitie fit for
their maintenance, which they trufted to bee fent vnto
them by two Merchants from the Rochell, and were that
way well furnifhed fo long as they keeped their skinnes to
giue them in exchange (but the Merchants either by
fome priuate conueyances) or by the comming in of fome
Flemmings to traffique, being difappointed by the Planters
as foone as they mifled their prefent Commoditie did like-
wife fruftrate them of the prouifions that they expe-
éted. Whereupon Monfieur de Montes betaking him-
felfe to trade for Furres, Monfieur Poutrincourt refolued to
profecute the Plantation at that place, and fent for his Son

D2 Bien-

a

s

ee ee ee

Saree

Sree

a

no ga

Sea

PRIS

~ 7 “ae :
SES Ss i Sa SS EN SL BIS. SBR aS a TAN al

20 An encouragement

Biencowt to France, to bargaine with fome that would
fend them a fupply, fuch as was requifite for eftablifhing of
that Colony.

The firft that embraced his Propofitions were the Ie-
fuites who as they haue ordinarly good wits which made
them the rather capable of fo aduantagious a proieét, fo
they were the more animated thereunto (by vpbrayding
the lazineffe of our Clergie) to fhew with whe feruencie
they trauell to propagate the Gofpell in doing whereof
(whither it be ambition or deuotion that prouokes them
{paring no paines) they haue trauelled both to the Eaft and
Welt Indies, and to that admired Kingdome of China; their
Nocietie in France preuayling with all that had any incli-
nation either to religion, or to vertue did eafily gather a
voluntary contribution for the furthering of fo commen-
dable a purpofe, thereafter they fent away two Fathers of
their company with a new fupply of all things neceffarie
to the Plantation at Port Royall, but fhortly after their ar-
riuall (their predominant difpofition hardly yeelding to
any Superiour, {pecially if it be a Secular power) they be-
ganne to contradiét Poutrincourt, in the execution of
thefe Decrees which had beene giuen forth by him as Ciuil
Magittrate of that place. Whcreupon the Gentleman ex-
treamely difeontented, and wearie of contefting with
them, hauing faid that it was his part to rule them vpon
earth, and theirs onely to guide him the way to Heauen,
he returned back to France, leauing his Sonne Biencourt in
his place, who being a youth at that time of more courage
then circumfpedineife, difdayning to be controlled by them
whom he had inuited thither, and feorning their infuppor-
table prefumption, and imperious kinde of carriage, viing

Spirituall Armes for Temporall ends, whofe {pleene had
excommunicated and branded him with a Spirituall cen-
fure, hee threatned them by his Temporall power with a
more palpable punifhment, fo that after much controuer-
fie, refoluing to feparate themfelues, the two Iefuites ta-
king a part of the company with them, went from thence

to

|

-_

to Colonies. 21

\f to a place in Vew England, called by them Mount Defert,
where they feated themfelues, and hauing a fupply trom
| the Queene Mother, did plant fundry fruit trees ‘of the |
moft delicate kinds in France, fuch as A ricockes, and Pea-

| ches neuer intending to remoue from thence,
At this time Sir Samuell Argall, who hath beene Go-
: uernour of Virginia, coafting alongtt New England, to traf-
fique, difcouer, or to acquire things neceflary for the Sou-
therne Colonie in thefe parts, where the Lands are reputed
to be more fertile, and the Seas more frequented, did con-
| ceiue by a defcription made vnto him by the Sauages, that
there were fome come from this part of the World to in-
habit there, and being iealous of any thing that might de-
rogate from the honour, or prooue preiudiciall to the bene-
fit of his Nation, whereof their intereft in this was eafie to
be apprehended, hee went whereas hee was informed that
they were, and his vnexpected arriuall, as it would feeme,
not onely amazing the mindes of the French, but likewife
preuenting their preparation, and refolution, he approched '
fo neere toa fhip that lay before their Fort, that hee beate ‘
them all that were within, with Musket fhot, from ma-
| king any vfe of their Ordnance, and killed one of te two
Icfuites, who was giuing fire to a Pecce ; hauing taken the :
fhip he landed and went before the Fort, fummoning them i
that were within to yeeld themfelues, who at the firft

made fome difficultie, asking a time to aduife, but that be- ;
ing refufed, they priuately abandoned the Fort, ftealing out 3
by fome back way into the Woods, where they ftayed one 4

night, and the next day comming backe rendred them-
felues, giuing vp the Patent they had from the French
King to bee cancelled, hee vfed them courteoufly, as their a
owne Writers doe make mention, fuffermg fuch as had a 4
i minde to goe for France, to feeke out fithers fhips wherein
| they might bee tranfported, the reft that were willing to
goe for Virginia, went thither alongft with him, no man

| hauing loft his life, but onely that one Iefuite who was kil- u
| led whileft they made refiftance during the time of the ie
3 con-

es

Oe ee

me ee

i a rene

22 An encouragement

confliét, thereafter Father Biard the other of the Iefuites
comming backe from Virginia, with Sir Samuell Argall,
out of the indigeftable malice that he had conceiued againtt
Biencourt, did informe him where he had planted himfelfe
offering (as hee did) to conduct him thither. As foone as
they were entred within the Port, neere the vppermott of
the Ilands, Sir Samuell directing the Ship to ride at a reafo-
nable diftance to attend occafions before the Fort, did land
himfelfe with fortie of the beft of his men vpon a Medow,
where immediatly they heard a Peece of Ordnance from
the Fort, and he concetuing fince it was fhot whilft it could
do no harme that it was done either but to giue terrour to
them, or to warne fome that might happen to bee abroad,
Did make the greater hafte towardes the Fort, where hee
prefently entred, finding it abandoned without any men at
all, left tor the defence thereof, hee went vp the Riuer fide
five or fixe miles, where hee faw their Barnes and the
ground where a great quantitie of Wheate had growne,
which he carried with him to ferue for Seed in Virginia, he
faw likewife their Corn Mill very conueniently placed,
which together with the Barnes hee left ftanding vntou-
ched. As for the Fort it felfe he deftroyed it downe to the
ground, razing the French Armes, and leauing no monu-

ment remayning, that might witneffe their being there.
After this Biencourt who had beene fome where abroad
trauelling through the Countrey, comming home defired
to conferre with Sir Samuell Argall, who did meete with
him apart from the Company vpon a Medow, and after
they had expoftulated a {pace for what had pait contro-
uerting concerning the French and English Title to thefe
bounds, at laft Biencourt offered (if hee might haue a prote-
ction) to depend vpon our King, and to draw the whole
Furres of that Countrey to one Port, where he would di-
uide them with him, As likewife he would fhew him good
Metalls, whereof hee gaue him pieces, but the other refu-
fed to ioyne in any focietie with him, protefting that his
Commiflion was onely to difplant him, and that if hee
found

me

Serre eehcicnmeunsunie

sa

a

Re emsneeenceneneneenieee

Lo

to Colonies. 23

found him there, after that time hee would vfe him as an
enemy, Biencourt labouring ipa to haue had the Tefuit
(as he confeffed) with a purpofe to hang him. Whilft they
were difcourfing together, one of the Sauages came fud-
denly forth from the Woods, and licentiated to come neere,
did after this manner earneftly mediate a peace, wondring
why they that feemed to bee of one Countrey fhould vie
others with fuch hoftilitie, and that with fuch a forme of
habit and gefture as made them both to laugh,

After this Biencourt remoouing from thence to fome o-
ther part, Monfieur Champlein who had liued long here, did
carrie a company with him from France, of fome fortie
perfons or thereabouts vp the Riuer of Canada, whom hee
planted on the North fide thereof, with a purpofe to ferue
for a Factorie, drawing all the Trade of that farre running
River (which a Plantation would haue difperfed in many
parts) within the hands of a few whom he doth command
otherwife if his defires had beene bended that way, hee
might haue planted many people there ere now, the place
is called Kebeck, where the French doe profper well, ha-
uing Corne by their owne labour, which may furnith
themfelues for food, and likewife for a ftocke to trattique
with the Sauages, with fundr Fruits, Roots, Vine, Grapes
and Turkie Wheate. Champlin hath difcouered the Riuer
ot Canada, from the Gulf vpwards aboue twelue hundred
miles, finding in it fometimes fuch falles, as to feape the
fame, he mutt carrie his Boate a little way by Land, and
then hee did many times come to great Lakes at the end
whereof hee did « wayes find a Riuer againe, and the lat,
Lake where hee came was a very huge one, iudged to bee
three hundred miles in length, by the report of fome Sa-
uages, who did affirme vnto him, that at the further end
thereof they did find Salt-water, and that they had feene
great Veflels which made Champlein beleeue that a paflage
might be there to the Bay of California, or to fome part of
the South Sea, which would prooue an ineftimable benefit
for the Inhabitants of thofe parts, opening a neere way to

China,

24 An encouragement

China, which hath beene fo many fundry wayes with fo
great charges fo long fought for, howwtoaien in regard of
the feafon, and for want of neceflary prouifions, Champlein
did returne backe at that time with a purpofe to goe againe

another yeere, which if he hath done is not yet knowne, ae “een
but this is moft certaine, that the Riuer of Canada hath a ity ge
long courfe and through many goodly Countreyes, fome ee igh
of thefe great Lakes by fending forth, or by receiuing great Nears
Riuers, do affoord meanes of commerce as farre as to fome oo.
ha of Terra Florida, as may bee gathered by Champleins ro ee
ifcouerie, And now hauing given a breuiarie of all that sae

is done by the French in America, I will next report of that
which hath beene done by fome others.

I will not here make mention of the many and braue Ae
Voyages that at the Sea haue happily beene performed by heer gies t
the English, which fame by eternall records hath recom- Be oe toa
mended to be ae a by the beft judgements of euery seg Ng
age, but I will only fhortly touch that which they haue at-
tempted by way of Plantation, beginning with the New-

Jound Land which was firft difcouered, and doth lie neereft .
to this Countrey. Sir Humphrey Gilbert hauing a commif- ears
fion from Queene Elizabeth did take poffefsion of it in pt
her name at Saint Johns Harbour, and thereafter purpofed Le aad |
to haue feene Canada, but encountring with fome vnexpe- Be. ea
éted croffes as hee was returning from thence, feeking to mune S
condemne an opinion (malice or enuie ordinarily taxing ods
all afpiring fpirits whofe vertue by way of reflection doth oe ae
vpbraide the bafenefie of others) hat had beene conceiued oc a en me
of him as wanting courage, he precipitated himfelfe yon sees
an other extremitic, not to feeme fearefull, prouing defpe-
rate ; for in the time of a ftorme, out of a needleffe braue-
rie, to fhew a contempt of danger, being in a little {mall
Pinnace, and refufing to come to his beft S!:ippe that was
of a large burden, hee was fuddenly fwaliowed vp by the
waues neere to the Ile of Sablon, and his death did ouer-
throwe great hopes of a Plantation that by the generouf- ; os
neffe of his aad might juftly haue beene expected fee Sere tA
ALM 5 eer ag

to Colonies. 25

him; but long before his time and euer fince the English
had vfed to fifh vpon the Banke, and within the Bayes of
Newfound Land, and the f{weetnefle of the benefit arrifing
from thence, did perfwade a companie compoted of Lon-
doners and Wett-country men to joyne together for fen-
ding fome to inhabite there, where before howfoeuer the
Summer was large as hote as here, the Winter was thought
vnfufferable,

The firft houfes for a habitation were built in Cupids
Coue within the Bay of Conception, where people did dwell
for fundry yeeres together, and fome well fatisfied both for
pleafure, and profit, are dwelling there ftill, finding {mall
difference betweene the feafons of the yeere in that Cli-
mate, and here, There is another Plantation begunne
at Harbour @ Grace within the fame Bay by the Citie of
Briftoll, called Briftols Hope, whereas by the fowing and
reaping of fome Cornes of fundry forts doth appeare what
further may pofsibly be expected ; And within thefe three
yeeres Matter Secretary Caluert hath planted a companie
at Ferriland, who both for building and making triall of
the ground haue done more than euer was performed be-
fore by any in fo fhort a time, hauing already there a brood
of Hortes, Kowes, and other beaftial, and by the induftry of
his people he is beginning to draw back yeerly fome bene-
fit from thence already: which courfe howfoeuer at firft it
proue good, or bad for his particular, is by example benefi-
ciall for the publike.

Laft, I heare that my Lord Vicount Falkland now Lord
Deputie of Ireland, hath this laft yeere fent a companie to
inhabite at Renouze a place lying South-weft trom Ferri-
land, where the toyle is efteemed to be the beft whereupon
any hath fetled there as yet, and hee hath the fhorteft way,
and beft opportunitie of any within his Majefties Domini-
ons for tranfporting of people and cattell to that part from
Ireland, which if his courfe bee rightly directed, as all haue
reafon to with, may promife him a good fucceffe.

The firft Patentees for Mewfound-land haue giuen mee

E a

>
a
4
|
:
a
t
5
*
i
a
Fi

Fe ae RE ge A a a mee Rf

APM ge thy

Pn a EE EO

26 An encouragement

a grant of that part thereof which doth lie North-weft from
the Bay of Placentia to the great Gulfe of Canada ouer-
againft Mew Scotland, where I had made a Plantation ere
now, if I had not beene diuerted by my defignes for New
Scotland, but I purpofe to doe it as foone as conueniently I
may. The moft part of the bounds whereupon any hath
planted as yet in ewfound Land is found to be rockie and
not fit to be manured: it may be thefe that made choice
thereof (neglecting the Land) had onely a regard to dwell
commodioufly for making vie of the Sea, the prefent pro-
fits whereof doth recompence the loffe of that which
might be expeéted by the other, but there can be no hope
of any conftant dwelling where the people that inhabite
doe not take a courfe to maintaine themfelues by their
owne Cornes, and pafture, as all there might doe, if they
would refpect their pofteritie more then the prefent time.

Before I come to the Continent I muft remember the
[les of the Bermudas, whofe Difcouerie and Plantation
was procured by fo ftrange a meanes, for a Ship happening
to perifh vpon their Coaft, her pafsingers feeking the next
Land for a refuge, they were compelled to doe that out of
necefsitie whereunto in good reafon, both for honour and
profit, they might more warrantably haue beene inuited ;
Thus doth benefit flowe from loffe, fafety from ruine, and
the Plantation of a Land from the defolation of a Shippe:
they found at the firft {tore of Hogs, which in all appea-
rance had their beginning from fome fuch an accident as
theirs was, and the Fowles were there in abundance {fo eafie
to be taken that they could {carcely be frighted away, thefe
firft people by repairing of their Ship which was caft away
vpon the Land, or by building fome other Veffel out of
her ruines, comming backe to England, and reporting
what was paft, {ome joyned together in a companie after
they had taken a Patent thereof from the King, and did
fend people of purpofe to inhabite there, who trufting too
much to the goodneffe of the foyle, and neglecting their
owne induftrie, or not gouerning that well which was wae

rie

ov
Nae ane ee Re sk. FE a ee eT cee ae ae ee |e ee

[? lend

to Colonies. 2

ried with them, were reduced to a great diftreffe for want
of victuals, fo that, if they had not beene confined within
an [land (more fenfible of a ga fuffering then capable
of future hopes) they would willingly haue retired from
thence, but a great quantitie of Ambergreece hauing been
found by one by chance, and fent backe ina Ship that was
going for London, their Merchants finding it to bee of a
great value, were fo encouraged by fuch a fubftantiall ar-
gument, that they prefently difpatched away a new fupply
of perfons and all prouifions neceffary, who arriuing there,
and hauing coniidered what a gulfe of famine was likely
to haue fwallowed their fellowes, they improuing their
judgement by the others experience, by betaking them-
felues to labour in time did preuent the like inconue-
nience; there is no land where man can liue without la-
bour, nor none fo barren whence induftrie cannot draw
fome benefit. All Adams pofteritie were a pointed to
worke for their food, and none muft dreame of an abfolute
eafe, which can no where fubfift pofitiuely, but onely com-
paratiuely, according to the occafions more or leffe.

This Plantation of the Bermudas, a place not knowne
when the King came to England, hath profpered fo in a
{hort time, that at this prefent, befides their ordinary (and
too extraordinarily valued) commoditie of Tobacco, they
haue growing there Oranges, Figs, and all kind of fruits
that they pleafe to plant, and doe now intend to haue a Su-
gar worke. Thefe Ties being about twentie miles in bredth
can onely be entred but by ene paflage, which is forti-
fied and eafily commanded by Ordnance, fo that, hauing
no Sauages within, and fearing no forces without, it is
eftecined to be impregnable; and the number of the In-
habitants there, being neere three thoufand perfons, are fuf-
ficient for the ground that a poffefie, This part may
proue exveedingls fteadable to this State, if euer it happen

tc haue @s it hath heretofore had) any defignes for feruice

in thefe Seas.
The firft Plantation that euer tt> English intended a-
E2 broad

Seaaticte

28 An encouragement

broad was in Virginia, which was firft difcouered and na-
med fo by Sir Walter Raleigh, who in the time of Queene
Elizabeth did place fome perfons to inhabite there, who
not being fapplied in time, or out of ignorance, or lazi-
neffe, not vfing the ordinary means(the viual fault of all be-
ginners) were brought by famine to a great extremity. And
Sir Francis Drakes comming by chance that way did tranf-
port them backe with him to England, whileft at the fame
time there was another companie furnifhed forth by Sir
Walter Raleigh, who mifsing them whom they expected to
haue found there, did remaine {till themfelues; but what
did become of them, if they did remoue to fome other
part, perith, difperfe, or incorporate with the Sauages (no
monument of them remayning) is altogether vnknowne.
This noble worke hauing fo hard a beginning after a long
difcontinuance was reuiued againe in the Kings time by a
companie compofed of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Mer-
chants, who (joyning priuate purfes with publike fupplies)
did fend thither a fufficient Colonie, well furnifhed with all
things neceffary, who after their firft comming had a conti-
nuall warre with the Natiues, till it was reconciled by a
Marriage of their Kings fifter with one of the Colonie,
who hauing come to England, as thee was returning backe,
died, and was buried at Grauefend. This euen amongtt
thefe Sauages (libertie being valued aboue life) as the
were induced to conteft in time, before that power which
they fufpected, could come to fuch a height, that it muah
haue a pofsibilitie of deprefsing them, fo was their malice
with their feares, quickly calmed by the meanes of a mar-
riage; Lawfull allyances thus by admitting equalitie re-
moue contempt, and giue a promifcuous off-fpring extin-
guifhing the diftinétion of perfons, which if that People
become Chriftians, were in fome fort tolerable, for it is the
onely courfe that vniting minds, free from jealoufies, can
firft make ftrangers contide in a new friendthip, which by
communicating their bloud with mutuall affurance is left
hereditary to their pofteritic.

This

lle

to Colonies. 29

This longed for peace, though it bred a great content-
ment for the time, was attended by wrapping them that
apprehended no further danger (too common an inconue-
nient) vp in the lazie remiffeneffe of improuident fecuritie.
For a number leauing the feate of the mayne Colonie, did
difperfe themfelues to liue apart, as if they had bin into a
well inhabited Countrey, which (as perchance) it had em-
boldened the Sauages to imbrace the firft occafion of a
quarrell, fo did it giue them an eafie way for executing the
mifchiefe that they intended, by killing two or three hun-
dred perfons before they could aduertize one another, farre
leffe, 1oyne to oppofe them in a company together, which
courfe might not onely then haue made them able to refitt,
but preuenting the others refolution had kept them from
being purfued : yet I heare of late, that they haue reuen-
ged this iniury (though (as fome report) not after a com-
mendable manner) by killing their King, with a great
number of the chiele of them whom they fufpected
moftt.

This plantation of Virginia, if it had not beene croffed
by the Incurfion of the Sauages abroad, and by the diuifion
of their Owners at home, had attayned to a great perfecti-
on ere now, hauing had Inhabitants from hence to the
number of necre three thoufand pertons, and if fome of
them who are there, being Lords of reafonable proporti-
ons of ground, and hauing people of their owne, owing no-
thing but due obedience to a Superiour Power, and the lea-
ding of a life conforme to the Lawes, had no care but (ma-
king their Lands to maintayne themfelues) how to build,
plant, and plenith in fuch fort as might beft eftablith a for-
tune for their Pofteritie, they snight quickly make vp a
new Nation, but it is a great difeouragement vnto them
who dwell there, that they muft labour like the Seruants of
a Family purchafing their food and rayment from England,
in exchange of Tobacco, as they are directed by their Ma~
{ters, many whereof are firangers to the eftate of that
bounds, and intending to fettle none of their Race there,

E3 haue

30 An encouragement

haue no care but how the beft benefit may prefently bee
drawne backe from thence, the number of voyces at their
affemblies preuayling more then the foundneffe of iudge-
ment, otherwife that Countrey before this time for
Wine, Oyle, Wheate, and other things neceffary for the
life of man might haue equalled for the like quantitie any
bounds within Europe, to which the foile of it felfe lac-
king nothing but the like induftry is no way inferiour.
And it is to be exceedingly withed by all his Maiefties fub-
ie&ts that the Plantation of Virginia may profper well,
which lying ncereft to the part from whence danger might
come, may prouc a Buls~atke for the fafetie of all the reft.

That which is now cai» — v England was firft com-
prehended within the Patent —_irginia, being the North-
eaft part thereof, it was vnderisken in a Patent by a com-
pany of Gentlemen in the Weft of England, one of whom
was Sit John Popham then Lord Chiefe Iuftice, who fent
the firft company that went of purpofe to inhabite there
neer to Segadahock, but thote that went thither, being pref-
fed to that enterprize, as endangered by the Law, or by
their owne neceflities (no enforced thing prouing pleafant,
difeontented perfons {uffering, while as they aét can fel-
dome haue good fuccefle, and neuer fatisfaétion) they after
a Winter ftay dreaming to themfelues of new hopes at
home returned backe with the firft occafion, and to iuftifie
the fuddennetle of their returne, they did coyne many ex-
cufes, burdening the bounds where they had beene with
all the afperfions that poffibly they could deuife, feeking
by that meanes to difcourage all others, whofe prouident
forwardnes importuning a good fucceffe, might make their
bafe fluggifhneffe for Puntoning the beginning of a good
worke, to be the more condemned.

About a foure yeeres fince, ‘a lt ping Virginia,
comming by chance to harbour in the Boat -welt part of
New England, necre Cape Cod, the company whom fhee
carried for Plantation, being weary of the Sea, and enamo-
red with ‘the beautie of the bounds that firft offered it felfe
vnto them gorgeoufly garnifhed with all wherewith

preg-

—

to Colonies. 31

pregnant nature rauifhing the fight with variety) can grace
a fertile field, did refolue to ftay, and feated themfelues in
that place which is now called New Plimmouth, where
they haue builded good houfes, and by their owne induftry
haue prouided themfelues in fuch fort as they are likely to
fubfift, keeping a good correfpondencie with the Captaines
of the Sauages, who haue done nothing hitherto that might
offend them (and after this) though they would dare at-
tempt nothing to their preiudice, who are now aboue two
hundred perfons, and doe increafe their number yeerely.
They find both the Land and the Seas there abounding in
all things needfull for the vfe of man, and doe gouerne
themfelues after a very ciuill and prouident manner.

Sir Ferdinando Gorge hath beene a chiefe man for the
furtherance of all things that might tend to the aduance-
ment of New England, hauing beene at great charges thefe
many yeeres paft for the Difcouerie thereof, in doing
which (a good intention bent for other ends, cafually
bringing forth this effect) the filhing there (not fought for)
was found, which doth prooue now fo profitable, as fortie
or fiftie Sayle are imployed there from England yeerely,
and all that haue gone thither, haue made aduantagious
Voyages,

This laft yeere, he fent his Sonne Captaine Robert
Gorge with a Colonie to be planted in Meflafuats bonds,
and as I heare out of a generous defire by his example to
encourage others for the aduancement of fo braue an En-
terprize he is refolued fhortly to goe himfelfe in perfon, and
to carrie with him a great ‘number well fitted for fuch a
purpofe, and many Noblemen in England, (whofe names
and proportions as they were marfhalled by lot, may ap-
peare vpon the Map) hauing intereffed themfelues in that
bounds, are to fend feueral Colonies, who may quickly
make this to exceed all the other Plantations.

Hauing fundry times exactly weighed that which I haue
alreadie dulinaveds and beeing fo exceedingly enflamed to
doe fome good in that kinde, that I would rather bewray

the

a a ee ee ee Pe

ie ae ee Re, te

32 An encouragement

the weakneffe of my power, then conceale the greatneffe
of my defire, being much encouraged hereunto by Sir Fer-
dinando Gorge, and fome vthers of the vndertakers for Vew
England, I thew them that my Countrimen would neuer
aduenture in fuch an Enterprize, vnleffe it were as there
was a Vew France, a New Spaine, and a New England, that
they might likewife haue a Mew Scotland, and that for that
effeét they might haue bounds with a correfpondencie in
proportion (as others had) with the Countrey whereof it
fhould beare the name, which they might hold of their
owne Crowne, and where they might bee gouerned b
their owne Lawes; they wifely confidering that either
Virginia, or New England, hath more bounds then all his
Maiefties {ubieéis are able to plant, and that this purpofe of
mine by breeding a vertuous emulation amongft vs, would
tend much to the aduancement of fo braue a worke, did
yeeld to my defire, defigning the bounds for mee in that
part, which hath beove qr tioned by the French, and lea-
uing the limits thereof to bee appointed by his Maiefties
pleafure, which are expretfed in the Patét granted vnto me,
vnder his great Seale of his Kingdome of Scotland, marching
vpon the Weft towardes the River of Saint Croix now
Tweed (where the Frenchmen did defigne their firft Habita-
tion) with Mew England, and on all other parts it is com-
paffed by the great Occan, and the great River of Canada,
fo that though fundry other preceding Patentes are ima-
ginarily limited by the degrees of the Heauen, I thinke
that mine be the firft National Patent that euer was cleer-
ly bounded within America by particular limits vpon the
Earth.

As foon as my Patent was paffed, refoluing to take pof-
feflion of the Lands, that were granted vnto me, I proui-
ded my felfe of a fhip at London, in the moneth of March,
in Anno 1622, but that the bufinefle might beginne from
that Kingdome, which it doth concerne, whereby fome of
my Countrimen might be perlwaded to goe, and others by
conceiuing a good opinion thereof, to depend by expeéta-

tion

to Colonies. 33

tion vpon the reports of fuch of their acquaintance, as were
to aduenture in that Voyage, I direéted her to go about by 8.
Georges Channell, to Mieubriats where fhe arriued in the
end of May ; Some Gentlemen of that country, vpon whofe
friendfhip I repofed moft, happening at that time to bee
out of the Kingdome, I encountred with fundry vnexpe-
cted difficulties: the prizes of victuals beeing within the
{pace of three monethes, fince I had parted before from
Scotland, {uddenly tripled, and yet fo fcarce as I could hard-
ly in hafte bee well furnifhed, yet fince I was fo far aduan-
ced, left I fhould loofe that which was done, if I did not the
reft, I vfed the beft diligence I could to pronide the fhippe
with all things neceffary. Then the very people {pecially
Artizens; of whom I ftood in need, were at firft loth to im-
barke for fo remote a part, as they imagined this to bee,
fome fearce beleeuing that there could be any fuch bounds
at all, and no wonder, fince neuer any in that part had
euer trauelled thither, and all nouelties beeing diftrufted,
or difualued, few of good fort would goe, and ordinarie
perfons were not capeable of fuch a purpofe.

At laft, in the end of Iune, they parted from thence to
the Ile of Man, and after fome ftay ansre, in the beginning
of Augutt, leauing the fight of his Maiefties Dominions,
did betake themfelues to the Sea. Though by reafon of the
latenetfe of their fetting forth, they had the windes very
contrary about the middeft of September, they difcouered
Saint Peters lands, and were neere to Cape Bretton, but
yet were beaten backe againe by a great ftorme to Vew-
Jound-land. And as they paffed by the Bay of Placentia,
negleéting the occafion to place themfelues in fome part of
my bounds, there as they might haue done, they went in-

to Saint Johns Harbour, where they concluded to ftay that
Winter, and fent the fhip home for a new fupply of fuch
things as were needfull.

Though it might haue difcouraged mee much, that they
had retired to New-found-land, forefeeing that what they
had with them might be wafted, and that it would bee as

F

charge-.

IEA A Mi CR RM Sa EI NE a EN

ia

34 An encouragement

chargeable and difficult to furnith them forth from thence,
as if they were to goe of new from Scotland, yet rather
then they fhould bee in danger for want of prouifion, ma-
king me any way guiltie of their loffe, that had aduentu-

red their liues, trufting to my care, I fraughted a thippe of

purpofe furnifhed with fuch things as were required
in a Note, which they fent home with their Meffenger.
This thippe was difpatched by mee from London in the
end of March 1623, but thee happened to {tay fo long at
Plimmouth, firft, vpon fome neceflary occafions, and laft b
contrary winds, it being the eight and twentieth of ori,
before flee parted from thence, hauing no good windes
at all, that they arriued not at Saint Johns Harbour, till the
fift of Tune. At their comming they found the company
not fit for a Plantation which had firft by an vnexpected
caufe been deuided in two during the Winter, and in May
fome doubting of a fupply, had engaged themfelues to
ferue Fifhermen, by which meanes they gained their main-
tenance, and fome meanes befide, fo that they could hard-
ly be gathered together againe, and their Minifier and
Smith (both for Spirituall and Temporall refpeéts, the two
moft neceflary members) were both dead, fo that feeing no
hope to plant themfelues in any good fafhion that yeere,
ten of the principall perfons concluded to go alongft with
the fhip to New Scotland, to difcouer the Countrey, and to
make choice of a fit place for a Habitation againft the next
yeere, confidering very well, that they could not doe fo
much good by ftaying there with fo few a number, as they
might doe at their returne, by reporting the truth to their
friends, of that which they had feene, whereby a new Co-
lonie might be encouraged to fet forth well furnithed, and
inftruéted according to that which might bee learned by
their experience.

The three and twentieth of Iune, they loofed from Saint
Tohns Harbour, and fayled towards Mow Scotland, where

for the {pace of fourteene dayes, they were by fogges and

contrary winds kept backe from {pying Land till the eight

of Iuly, that they faw the Weft part of Cape Bretton, ei
ti

a

ee

to Colonies. 35

they ranne the length of Port de Mutton, where they dif-
couered three very pleafant Harbours, and went athore
in one of them, which atter the fhippes name, they called
Lukes Bay, where they found a great way vp a very plea-
fant Riuer, being three fathom deep at a low water at the
entry thereof, & on euery fide of the fame they did fee very
delicate Medowes, hauing Rofes white and ‘red, growing
thereon with a kind of wilde Lilly, which had a daintie
fmel, the next day they refolued (coafting alongft the land)
to difcouer the nexé Harbour, which was but two leagues
diftant from the other, where they found a more pleafant
Riuer then the firft, being foure fathome deepe at a low
water with Medowes on both fides thereof, hauing Rofes
and Lillies growing thereon as the other had, they found
within this Riuer, a very fit place for a Plantation, both
in regard that it was naturally apt to be fortified, and that
all the ground betweene the two Rivers, was without

till the thirteenth day, they fayled alongit the Coaft, till

ie een Cee

wood, and very good fat Earth, hauing feuerall forts of
f beries growing thereon, «s Goofe-beries, Straw-beries,

Hind-beries, Rasberies, and a kind of red Wine berie, as |
| alfo fome forts of graine, as Peafe, fome Eares of Wheate,
t

Barly and Rie growing there wilde; the Peafe grow in a-
bundance alongft the Coaft, very bigge and good to eate,
but did tafte of the fitch: this Riuer is called Port Lolly,
from whence they coafted alongft to Port Negro, beeing
twelue leagues diftant, where all the way as they fayled a-
longft, they fpied a very pleafant Countrey, hauing grow-
ing euery where fuch things as were obferued in the two
Harbours where they had beene before. They found like-
wife in euery Riuer abundance of Lobfters, Cockles, and o-
ther fhel-fifhes, and alfo not onely in the Riuers, but all the
Coatt alongit, numbers of feuerall forts of Wild-foule, as
| Wild-goofe, blacke Ducke, Woodcocke, Crane, Heron,
Pidgeon, and many other forts of Fowle which they knew
not. They did kil as they fayled alongft the Coaft great

| {tore of Cod, with feuerall other forts of great fifhes.
| F2 The

36 An encouragement

The Countrie is full of Woods not very thicke, and the
moft part Oake, the reft are Firre, Spruce, Birch, with fome
Sicamores, and Afhes, and maay other forts vf Wood
which they had not feene before. Hauing difeouered this
part of the Countrie, in regard of the Voyage their thip was
to make to the Straits with fithes, they refolued to coaft a-
longft from Lukes Bay to Port de Mutton, being foure
leagues to the Eat thereof, where they encountred with a
Frenchman, that in a very {hort time had made a great Voy-
age, for though he had furnifhed one fhip away with a great
number of fifhes, there were neere fo many readie as to load
himfelfe & others. After they had taken a view of this Port,
which to their iudgement they found no waies inferiour to
the reft they had feene before, they refolued to retire backe
to New-found-land, where their {hip was to receiue her loa-
ding of fifhes. The 20 of Iuly they loofed from thence, and
the feuen and twentieth thereof they arriued at Saint Johns
Harbour, and from thence failed alongft to the Bay of Con-
ception, where they left the fhip, and difpatched themfelues
home in feuerall thips that longed to the Wett part of
England.

This is no wonder, that the French becing fo flightly
planted, did take no deeper roote in America, for they as
onely defirous to know the nature and qualitie of the foile,
and of things that were likely to grow there, did neuer
feeke to haue them in fuch quantitie as was requifite for
their maintenance, affecting more by making a necdleffe
oftentation, that the World fhould know they had beene
there, then that they did continue {till to inhabit there, like
them, that were more in loue with gloric then with vertue:
then being alwaies fubieé to diuifions amongft themtelues,
it was impoisible that they could fubfift, which proceeded
fometime from emulation or enuie, and at other times from
the lazineffe of the difpofition of fome, who (lothing labor)
could bee commanded by none, who would impofe more
vpon them then was agreeable with the indifferencie of
their affections and fuperficiall endeuours.

The

or 7.

— EE oe

to Colonies. 37

The English were free from thefe mutinies, and wanted
not induftry enough, but either out of a cuftome they haue
to trauell more for the benefit that doth flow from grafle,
then by manuring of the ground for Corne, or otherwife
if they were forced fo to doe by their Owners at London,
who enforcing a fpeedie returne by their labour, would
needs be trufted with furnifhing of them victuals, they ap-
plying themfelues to Tobacco, and fuch things as nine
import a prefent commoditie, neglecting the time that
might haue beene employed for building, planting and
husbandrie, did liue but like hired Seruants, isboutite for
their Mafters, and not like Fathers prouiding for their Fa-
miiy and Pofteritie, which can neuer be auoided till the
ground be inhabited by them, that being Owners thereof,
will truft it with their maintenance, and doe content them-
felues with the delight of that which may giue glorie to
them, and profit to their heires.

The Plantations in America doe approch neereft to the
puritie of thefe that (by an induftrious diligence) in the in-
fancie of the firft age did extend the multiplying generati-
ons of Mankind, to people the then Defert Barth, for here
they may poffeffe themfelues without difpoffefsing of o-
thers, the Land cither wanting Inhabitants, or hauing none
that doe appropriate to themfelues any peculiar ground,
but (ina Seaaaling company ) runne like beatts after beafts,

feeking no foile, but onely after their prey. And where of

old the Danes, Graules, Giothes, Hunnes, Vandals, Longo-
bards, and thereafter Sarazens, Turkes and Tartarians, did
(with an inundation of people) encroach vpon thefe places
of Europe, which were moft ciuill, and where the Gofpel
was beft planted, out of an ambitious enuie to draw vnto
themfelues the glory that any Nation had formerly gained,
or out of an exorbitant auarice to fwallow vp their fub-
{tance, and to vfurpe (if they had power challenging right)
any Lands that were better then ther own, as the moft part
did in Greece, Hungary, Spaine, Italy,and France. We here
goe to caufe preach the Gofpel where it was neuer heard,

F3 and

anes

Sia ck

eens ee oa

— a
reba wes ean, 2 tise sae aap ates note Seale RS ee aN

ee renee

SOR ec?

Sn ates

38 An encouragement

and not to fubdue but to ciuillize the Sauages, for their
ruine could give to vs neither glory nor benefit, fince in
place of fame it would breed infamie, and would defraud
vs of many able bodies, that hereafter (befides the Chrifti-
an dutie in fauing their foules) by themfelues or by their
Pofteritie may ferue to many good vies, when by our
meanes they {hall learne lawfull ‘Trades, and induftries, the
Authors whereof (though preuenting the like Superftition)
may acquire no leffe reuerence from them, nor in like cafe
of old Saturne, Bacchus, Ceres, and Pallas, by teaching to
lant Corne, Wine, and Oyle, did get from the credulous
ignorance of them with qian they communicated their
knowledge.

When I doe contider with myfelfe what things are ne-
ceffarie for a Plantation, I cannot but be confident that my
owne Countreymen are as fit for fuch a purpofe as any men
in the world, hauing daring mindes that vpon any pro-
bable appearances doe defpife danger, and bodies able to
indure as much as the height of their minds can vndertake,
naturally louing to make vie of their owne ground, and
not erating to traftique. Then Scotland by reafon of her
populoufnetie being conftrained to disburden her felfe
(like the painfull Bees) did euery yeere fend forth fwarmes
whereof great numbers did haunt Pole with the moft ex-
treme kinde of drudgerie (if not dying vnder the burden)
feraping a few crummes together, till now of late that they
were compelled, abandoning their ordinary calling, to be-
take themfelues to the warres againft the Russians, Turks, or
Swedens,as the Polonianswere pleafed to employ thé, others
of the better fort being bred in France, in regard of the an-
cient league, did finde the meanes to force out fome fmall
fortunes there, till of late that the French though not alto-
gether violating, yet not valuing (as heretofore) that friend-
{hip which was {fo religioufly obferued by their predecef-
fours, and with fo much danger and loffe “eferited: by ours,
haue altered the eftate of the Guards, and doe derogate
frd our former liberties, which this King now raigning, we

hope,

a a

_-

=

Dy.

ty

to Colonies. 39

hope, will reftore to the firft integritie. The necefsities of
Ireland are neere fupplied, and that great current which
did tranfport fo many of our people is worne drie. The
Lowe Countries haue {pent many of our men, but haue en-
riched few, and (heats raifing their flight with fuch bor-
rowed feathers, till they were heeled by a prefent dan ser)
did too much vilipend thefe fauourable Springs by i 1
their weaknefle was chiefly refrefhed: But howfoeuer fome
particular men might profper vnder a forraine Prince, all
that aduenture fo, doe either perifh by the way, or if they
attaine vnto any fortune, doe lofe the fame by fome colour
that ftrict lawes vrged againft a ftranger can ealily affoord,
or elfe naturalizing themfelues where they are, hey muft
difclaime their King and Countrey, to which by time (the
obiect of their affeétions altered) being bound to haue a
care of that part where there pofteritie mutt liue, they turne
euery way ftrangers, which necefsitie impofed vpon them
to take this courfe, and inconueniences following thereup-
on may be preuented by this new Plantation. And where
the Scottish Merchants before had no trade but by tranfpor-
ting Commodities that might haue beene imployed at
home, and oftentimes monie, to bring backe Wine from
France, and Pitch, Tarre, and Timber from the Eafter Seas.
Now only by exporting of men, Corne, and Cattle, they
may within a little time be able to furnifh back in exchange
thefe things before named. As likewife a great benefit
of fifhes, Furres, Timber, and Metals, drawing forth our peo-
ple to forreine Traffique, wherewith they neuer haue bin
accuftomed before, and that to the great increafe of the
Cuftomes, helping hereby to enrich that ancient King-
dome, which of all the reft hath onely loft by his Maiefties
greatneffe, being hereby not onely defrauded of his owne
prefence, and of the comfort that his countenance did con-
tinually affoord, but likewife of many Commodities arifing
to any Countrie where a Court is Refident, as the vniuer-
fall pouertie thereof (hauing few rich vnleffe it bee fome

Tudges

ca Se Teo deen

tr.

Ce ee ea ee TR

40 An encouragement

Tudges and their Clerkes) by a common complaint doth
too fenfibly teftifie.

I haue neuer remembred any thing with more admirati-
on then America, confidering how it hath pleafed the Lord
to locke it vp fo long amidft the depths, concealing it from
the curiofitie of the Ancients, that it might be difcouered in
a fit time for their pofteritie, they were fo farre of old from
apprehending it by any reach of reafon, that the moft lear-
ned men (as they po) by infallible grounds, in regard
of the degrees of the Heauen, did hold that thefe Zones
could not be inhabited, which now are knowne to include
the moft pleafant parts in the World. This neuer came to
the knowledge of any Hebrew, Greeke, or Roman, who
had the moft able mindes to haue found out fuch a myfte-
ry: and howfoeuer fome would glofe vpon that Fable of
Platoes Atlantick Iand,I haue neuer obferued any thing a-
mongft the Ancient Writers tending to fuch a purpofe, if
it be not thefe lines of Seneca the Tragedian, whereby hee
might (if not with a prophetick, yet with a poetick rap-
ture) deliuer that which he had a mind to mints the pofte-
ritie expeét, and was in poflibilitie to happen.

Venient annis
Secula feris, quibus Oceanus
Vincula rerum lazet, § ingens
Pateat tellus, Tiphisque nouos
Detegat orbes ; nec fit terris

Vitima Thule.

And it isa thing not yet comprehended by the courfe of
naturall reafon, how thefe parts of the World came firft
to be peopled: We mutt grant (according to the grounds
of Diuinitie) their people to be defcended from Noah, and
it is not long fince that (the Load ftone being found out) the
beft Saylers ({corning as in former times to be only coafters)
haue brought the Art of Nauigation to that perfection, that
they durft refolutely aduenture to fearch the moft remote

parts

to Colonies. 41

parts in the Ocean, and if any had gone thither of purpofe
to inhabite, they would haue carried with them the moft
vfefull kindes of tame Cattle, fuch as Horfes, Cowes, and
Sheepe, whereof neuer any was found in thefe parts, till
they were tranfported thither of late yeeres ; but onely
Sai wild beafts as of themfelues might haue wandred any
where through vaft Forrefts, and Deferts: fo that I doe
thinke there muft bee fome narrow paflage vpon the Eaft,
towards Terra Auftralis Incognita, not yet difcouered, from
whence people by time might haue come convene the
Straits of Magelane) to inhabite Bra file, Chile, and Peru,
or rather I fhould thinke that there were fome Continent,
or Narrow Sea towardes the North, about the Straits of
Anien, from whence the firft Inhabitants in Americu
might haue come; becaufe the wild beafts that are there
are creatures moft peculiar to the North, fuch as Elkes,
Bears, and Beauers, which are knowne to bee ordinary
with the Russians,and Tartarians ; and Iam the more con-
firmed in this opinion, when I remember of the Mountains
of Ice that come floting euery Spring alongit the Coaft of
New-found- Land, which (as it is likely) may difiolue from
fome Sea that hath beene frozen during the Winter time,
ouer which people, and wild beafts might haue commodi-
tie to patie ; but this is a inatter that can hardly bee deter-
mined by demonftration or reafon, therefore (all men for-
ming that which they know not, according to the {quare
of their owne conceits:) Wee mutt leaue this to the vnli-
mited libertie of the imagination of man.

But the thing moft wonderfull of all is this, though now
it bee cleerely difeouered, that fo few are willing to make
vie thereof; ‘This doth chiefly proceed from want of know-
ledge, few being willing to aduenture vpon that where-
with they are not acquainted by their owne experience,
and yet thofe who haue not made triall themfelues, if they
will truft others, may bee abundantly fatisfied by the re-
ports of a number, who to Plant and Traffique doe yeerely

G haunt

42 An encouragement

haunt thefe parts. If the true eftate of that which might
bee done at this time by the ioyning of fome reafonable
company together were rightly vnderftood, then fo many
would not liue at home as they do, lofing their time, where
they can make no benefit, and burdenable to them to
whom they are not vifefull, rather admitted, then welcom-
med, the one thinking that their feruice fhould deferue a
reward, and the other that their maintenance is an vnne-
ceflary charge, neither gaining, and both difcontented :
then would not fo many aduenture their iiues fe ‘he de-
fence of ftrangers, whereby they fearce can ac., re that
which doth defray their owne charges, and howfoeuer the
hope of Honour may flatter a generous fpirit, there is no
great appearance by this meanes to prouide for a Family, or
for a Pofteritie. And if we rightly confider the benefit that
may arife by this enterprife abroad, it is not onely able to
afford a fufficient meanes for their maintenance, who can-
not conueniently liue at home, by disburdening the
Countrey of them, but it is able to enable them to deferue
of their Countrey, by bringing vnto it both Honour and
Profit.

Where was euer Ambition baited with greater hopes
then here, or where euer had Vertue fo large a field to
reape the fruites of Glory, fince any man, whe doth goe
thither of good qualitie, able at firft to tranfport a hundred

erfons with him furnifhed with things neceffary, fhall
fans as much Bounds as may ferue for a great Man, where-
vpon hee may build a Towne of his owne, giuing it what
forme or name hee will, and being the firft Founder of a
new eftate, which a pleafing induftry may quickly bring
to a perfeétion, may leaue a faire inheritance to his pofte-
ritie, who fhall claime vnto him as the Author of their
Nobilitie there, rather then to any of his Anceftours that
had preceded him, though neuer fo nobly borne elfwhere,
and if the vafteneffe of their hopes cannot bee bounded
within their firft limits, as foone as they haue a
them-

Oe ww hESC

to Colonies. 43

themfelues for fuch a defigne, either by Sea or by Land, (in
regard of the large Countries next adiacent hereunto) there
doth alwaies reft a faire poflibilitie of a further encreafe, ei-
ther for them, or for their fucceffours; and fo euery one of
inferiour fort may expeét proportionably according to his
aduenture: The Merchants that are giuen to trade, where
can they hauea fairer ground for gaine then here ; and that
befides that which may bee expected from fo fertile a Land
by induftry or husbandry hereafter, in prefent commodi-
ties, fuch as Cod fifhes and Herring in the Seas, Salmonds in
the Riuers, Furres, Pype-ftaues, Pot-afhes, and all that may
arife from the plentie of good Wood, Mineralls, and other
things though not knowne to ftrangers that onely coaft a-
longft the Lands, that may bee difcouered hereafter by
them that are to inhabite the Bounds.

Here thofe that are fo difpofed, without making a Mo-
nafticall retreate (free from a multitude of troubles) may
inioy the pleafures of contemplation, being folitary when
they will, and yet accompanied when they pleafe, and that
not with fuch company as (preffed by importunitie) they
muft difcontentedly admit, but onely by them of whom
they haue made choice, and whom the finite carried with
them, with whom (as partners of their trauells) by mu-
tuall difcourfes they may remember their former dangers,
and communicate their prefent ioyes : heere are all forts of
obieéts to fatisfie the varietie of defires. 1 might fpeake
of the fport that may bee had by Hunting, Hawking,
Fithing, and Fowling, where all thefe creatures haue had
fo long a time for increafe, without being deftroyed or
frighted, as likewife of the great contentment that mutt
come by daily difcoueries of new Fieldes and Riuers, with
the diuerfitie of things not feene before that may happen
to bee found in them: but I would rather haue all at firft
to thinke of the paines they muft indure, in bringing of fo
notable a Worke to perfection, fince no good thing can be
had with eafe; and all the fonnes of men are borne to la-

G2 bour.

ny <n pall pamela St abi

44 An encouragement

bour. But leauing thefe wordly refpeéts, the greateft
incouragement of all for any true Chriftian is this, that
heere is a large way for aduancing the Gofpel of Iefus
Chrift, to whom Churches may bee builded in places
where his Name was neuer knowne; and if the & ints
of Heauen reioyce at the conuerfion of a Sinner, what
exceeding ioy would it bee to them to fee many thou-
fands of Sauage people (who doe now liue like brute
beafts) conuerted vnto God, and I with leauing thefe
dreames of Honour and Profit, which doe intoxicate
the braines, and impoyfon the minde with tranfitory
pleafures) that this might bee our chiefe end to be-
gin a new life, feruing God more fincerely then before, to
whom we may draw more neere, by retyring our felues fur-
ther from hence.

As I would haue no man that hath a mind for this courfe,
to abufe his iudgement, by trufting too much to the ferti-
litie of the bounds where he is to goe, and too little to his
owne prouidence, and induftrie, whereby he may be made
to negleét the preparing himfelfe for this Voyage after
fuch a manner as is requifite, So I altogether diflike
them that poffeffed with the prepofterous apprehenfions
of feare (like the lazie man of whome Salomon fpeaketh,
that pretending difficulties to preuent trauell, would fay
there was a Lion in the way) will needs imagine the worlt
that is in poffibilitie to happen: for fuch a man (too inge-
nioufly fubtill in coniecturing danger) doth both by pre-
indicated opinions difable himfelfe, and difcourage them,
who not being duely informed, are confirmed by the con-
fidence of other vivientaliars that profeffe to haue know-
ledge, there is no man at home where he was borne, fo free
from the accidents of fortune who may not quickly by a
publike, or by a priuate calamitie be brought in fome mea-
fure to fuffer, and much rather fhould wee arme our felues
with a high refolution againft all inconueniences that can
occurre in fuch a forraine enterprife (being circumf{pedily

pro-

to Colonies. 45

prouident, but not cofounded with a deieéting fear) where
the greatneffe of fo well grounded hopes for vs and for our
Pofteritie fhould make vs (hoping for pleafure) to difgett
any prefent paine, with a courage greater then can bee bra-
ued by any apprehended trouble. And becaufe the Lord in
fuch eminent Exploits doth commonly glorifie himfelfe
by a few number, | with that all fuch whofe hearts doe mif-
giue them portending any difafter (like them of Gideons
troupes that bowed downe like beafts to the water) fhould
retire in time, ere the contagioufnefle of their infirmitie
come to infeét them that are more foundly difpofed. There
is no iuft caufe for a reafonable man to feare any worldly
thing, but onely difgrace and want of neceflary maynte-
nance: A man can hardly fall in the firft here, fince an
honourable intention what euer the-fuccefle prooue muft
acquire prayfe, and the other by ordinary meanes, is eafie to
be auoyded, but I am fo farre from painting out a fuppo-
fed facilitie to fnare weake minds, that I would haue none
(with whom it is not fit to communicate more then they be
eal) to imbarke in this bufines, but ae fuch as do
refolue againft the worft, for I potfeffe as Cato did, when he
was to enter the Deferts of Arabia.

Neque enim mihi fallere quenquam

Eft animus, tectoque metu perducere vulgus.

Hi mihi fint comites, quos ipfa pericula ducent,
Qui me tefte, pati, vel que trifiissima, pulchrum,
Romanuinque putant ; at qui /ponfore falutis
Miles eget, capiturque anime dulcedine, vadat
Ad Dominum meliore via.

And laft fhould not thefe memorable Exploits of late
performed in the Eaft and Weft Indies by the Flemmings,
enflame vs with a generous ardour to equall, or rather to
exceede them, whofe penuritie of people (euen at home)
mutt bee fupplyed by the fuperfluitie of ours: They haue

not

46 An encouragement

not onely in the Eaft Indies by feuerall Habitations appro-
priated lige Territories to themfelues, but likewife to the
great preiudice of their Neighbours, improouing their
owne profit, haue engroffed the generall Commerce by
confequence depending thereupon. And if they feate
themfelues (as it is likely they will doe) in Brasil, pro-
uidently profecuting the good beginning that they haue
gotten by fparing people of their owne, or by intere-
{ting Strangers whom they dare truft for founding of a fuf-
ficient Colonie, that being ftrong enough to defend and
command the Inhabitants. (Securely exacting a due obe-
dience) may enable them for greater matters; then con-
fining with the very Springs whence the ftreames flow that
entertayne the power of their enemies (exhautting their
fubftance both by Sea and Land) they haue a maruellous
faire occafion offered to aduance them felues by depref-
fing of the oppofed partie whofe profperous and defired
lucceffe (whileft the adding to one doth derogate from
another) if not emulated in time, will be enuied here-
after.

I know that many of my Nation if they had beene as
willing as they are able had beene more tit then I am for
this purpofe, but yet it hath oftentimes pleafed God to doe
the greateft matters by the meaneft Inftruments. And as
no one man could accomplifh fuch a Worke by his owne
priuate fortunes, fo if it {hall pleafe his Maieftie (as he hath
euer beene difpofed for the furthering of all good Works
more for the benefit of his Subiedts, then for his owne par-
ticular) to giue his helpe accuftomed for matters of leffe
moment hereunto, making it appeare to be a Worke of his
own, that others of his fubieéts may be induced to concurre
in fuch a common caufe, no man could haue had my charge
that with more affection and finceritie fhould haue vfed his
endeuours for difcharging of the fame, but I muft truft to be
pee by fome publike helps, fuch as hath beene had in
other parts, for the like caufe whereunto, as I doubt not, but

many

to Colonies. 47

many will be willing out of the nobleneffe of their difpofi-
tion, for the aduancing of fo worthy a Worke, So I hope
will fome others, the rather out of their prinate relpect to
me, who fhall continue as I haue heretofore done, both
to doe and write in fo farre, fo meane an abilitie as
mine may reach, what (I conceiue) may proue
for the credit or benefit of my Nation,
to whom I with all hap-
pineffe.

FINIS.